The "progressive list" - the controversy about the FEI list of prohibited substances

The present contribution will inform about the discussions on the so called progressive list of the substances prohibited in the international equestrian sport (FEI). Furthermore the principle arguments will be addressed which play a decisive roll for one or the other position in a debate often carried out in an engaged way. Also the interests will be pointed at and how the principle arguments are used by the people involved for putting them through. The description shall make clear, to what extent the interests were and are further dictated by intellectual consideration as well as by the practical way of acting of those involved - and not the aims expressed in the arguments- Meaning to what extent those concerned ore pretending that the motives for their efforts for the health and well being of the horse, but that these efforts actually are secondary to other interests. The procedure, to decide about directives, which do affect the welfare and wellbeing of the horse, by voting, is criticized on the basis of statements from axiology. The rational discourse will be put opposite to voting. The rational discourse in this case would be the pharmacological analysis on the different effects of the substances in question. This means: Only the pharmacological analysis on the different effects of the substances being discussed, in particular the prove of efficiency and/or inefficiency of certain concentrations, provides for the legitimate scientific basis for the ethical decision about prohibition or acceptance of the discussed substances as well as corresponding concentrations. On one hand the substances being discussed shall allow for veterinary treatment closed to start for competition and on the other hand in case of participation in competition of these horses not put at risk neither their health nor their riders health and further not create unequal conditions in competition itself. The crucial results of such a pharmacological analysis of the substances: phenylbutazone, flunixine, (acetyl-)salicylic-acid, isoxsuprine, acetylcysteine and dichlor(o)acetate will be attached to this contribution, taking over a version comprised for the society for equine medicine (Gesellschaft for Pferdemedizin).